DNCW outlines concerns

Josephine Dublin-Prince

President of the Dominica National Council of Women (DNCW) Josephine Dublin-Prince has cited the significant number of abused children, the new face of perpetrators and transactional sex as some of the major concerns for her organization.

The DNCW held its annual general meeting on Monday morning under the theme “Women: Agents of Socio-Economic and Political Development.”

Dublin-Prince urged members of the public to assist in the eradication of discrimination and violence by reporting abuse cases and breaking the silence of abuse. “Victims should break the silence, call on women to be greater advocates, be an advocate by telling the truth, expose offenders,” she urged.

She added that the council will speak out against light sentences given to perpetrators of abuse and continue to call and talk about the education system.

She also felt the need for women to be more involved in politics and issues of national interest.

Also addressing the issue of violence at the meeting was minister of Social Services and Gender Affairs Gloria Shilllingford.

“Violence is a scourge to society and a burden to the government’s financial resources,” she said.

The DNCW is a partner in the 16 days of activism campaign against gender violence which runs from November 23 to December 10.

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18 Comments

  1. hypocrite
    November 27, 2012

    DNCW should be ashamed. This is an organization purpotedly representing the interest of women. However, they could not reach agreement on whether to support the efforts of those advocating for an amendment to the archaic rape laws, such that it will be a crime when a man forces his wife to have sex against her will.

  2. Domerican/Possie
    November 27, 2012

    When women report cases of abuse, they are usually made to feel like they are responsible for the attack on them; this is one of the many reasons why women do not report their abusers. Provide a safe haven for women where they can feel empowered and comfortable enough to make these reports. We also need a more aggressive approach by law-enforcement in handling/investigating these reported cases of abuse.

  3. Justice Na Serve
    November 27, 2012

    How are victims suppose to break de silence when the powers that be are the ones silencing them and abusing them. All this talk is nice but I want see action. Expose the criminals in the church,schools, government offices etc. The catholic church is the worst, they covering up for all those priests. And we not just talking about the church in the USA. Shame on you bishop of roseau. The scandal is right here in Dominica. Parents, watch out for your children, you don’t need no catholic priest to cast out demons from your children. You would be surprise what your favourite priest doing in the name of God.

  4. KOUTE
    November 27, 2012

    them lawyers who take women’s money to plead their cases and never do the job is a form of violence too.having these ladies comming to their offices and not having a result,this is also violence!!

  5. Erasmus B. Black
    November 27, 2012

    …”the new face of perpetrators…??? Madame President, I wish to submit that despite the paucity of reliable evidence, the face in Dominica has remained constant. It has always been a close relative, family member or next door neighbour more often than not. What has changed is the publicity.

    What we need to get is a sex offender registry and make it public. It would be telling, indeed!

  6. Cesare Bonventre
    November 26, 2012

    Question: is Madame Josephine Dublin-Prince saying that transactional sex is an act of violence?

    Sorry – but from the brevity of the article I am unable to tell precisely her concerns regarding transactional sex.

  7. Good-to-go
    November 26, 2012

    “Transactional Sex” = Prostitution. Ask yourself who benefitting from the human trafficking associated with prostitution in Dominica and then come with your concerns, madame.

    • jade
      November 26, 2012

      Tell us madame. We really want to know.

  8. neversee
    November 26, 2012

    We need to move this from the platform of only talk. A culture of “line-up” on girls in puberty is developing. HOW CAN WE PUT A STOP TO IT? The girls are so ashamed and afraid they will not talk.

  9. trute
    November 26, 2012

    Amen sistah!

  10. CIA on the watch
    November 26, 2012

    “Women: Agents of Socio-Economic and Political Development”. How can this be Mrs Prince when women in their efforts to seek a job just to survive are being abused by your political comrades, thought you would address these issues. Are you evading these issues or are you avoiding them, you need to get real and address what really matters before women can be “Agents of Socio-Economic and Political Development”

    • November 27, 2012

      Well said the DNCW should investigate all the aligations that’s floating around because where there is smoke their is fire the group shold stop pretending because some of the persons involved maybe men in high positions and who use their power to corrupt the women of DA we all know things are bad and folks need help but that do not give them the right and that’s what the group should be looking into, these young ladies go to those individuals for help but they have to give something up for it what a shame.
      These men with power should think of their mothers, sisters, aunty and childrem first. What is happening must be stopped

    • really
      November 27, 2012

      @CIA on the watch. You are dispensing Rubbish again.

      Sexual abuse by employers/potential employers and bosses (be they politicians or priests)are all part of the issue of violence against women. So how can you imply that that subject is not being addressed by the DNCW?

      I gather that you just wanted to nail the issue to politics, but that makes you sound so tired as if you are hybernating on a negative mantra of politics. You are abusing your own mind, and trying to abuse mine also. Give me a break! Give your brain a break and think of a new issue so your contributions can get a little oxygen to liven it up.

      Talk about stuck on politics! Jeez! Sicko!

  11. sexsamesex
    November 26, 2012

    i APPLAUD your great work ma Dublin.
    you continue to stand for the rights of the less fortunate persons especially women.

    We love you and you are the fire which motivates and inspires so many young folks.

    Our Da needs more soldiers like you !!!!!

  12. Anonymous
    November 26, 2012

    good advocacy

  13. boug la
    November 26, 2012

    everytime is the same song being song…come up with some fresh ideas nuh…a new approach..a new way of championing your cause..try something different mam..i know u mean well we but….i dont know who listens!!

  14. OK
    November 26, 2012

    Is that, we all should come out with one voice. Too many young women have become victims of sexual abuse.

  15. Truth and Justice
    November 26, 2012

    Gloria Shillingford? Minister Timothy and Prime Minister SKERRIT and Prime Minister Gonzales should have been included as guest speakers.

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